Communication Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

In the context of WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work (GPW) and its triple-billion strategy, the incumbent will support communications activities at the country level. Key deliverables include: accurate and timely production and dissemination of high quality public information products which highlight WHO and partners work on the ground; promoting achievements and results of key public health initiatives and building contacts with the press/media and key partners and optimizing networking opportunities. The incumbent will work with colleagues in the country office to ensure WHO’s work and health issues gain visibility among partners, the general public, the media and other key stakeholders.

1. Identify subjects of interest to develop and improve media/communication activities at the country level and develop a communications plan for the country office, which works in synergy with the global and regional communications strategies.
2. Produce public information materials such as press releases and media advisories on WHO events, products and issues for dissemination to the print, electronic and online media, as well as media talking points for country spokespeople.
3. Build relations with the national media and ensure that WHO issues, and work are regularly profiled by the national media.
4. Take photographs of key WHO events, activities as well as of key health programmes for use on the country and regional websites as photo stories, as well as on social media.
5. Monitor media coverage of WHO issues, programmes and people in the country and provide regular reports to the Regional Office.
6. Organize photographic shoots and interviews and filming opportunities to sup-port high-visibility of WHO achievements through television, radio and news-papers, etc.
7. Manage the social media accounts of the country office in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Regularly update content on these platforms
8. Manage the development and maintenance of the country website, in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Regularly update content on the website.
9. Support the monitoring of mis/disinformation circulating on social media and local media.
10. Research and write feature stories and messages, ideally bringing in a human element from real life experiences
11. Work with external relations officer in the country office (if there is one) or in the regional office to prepare communication and advocacy products and statements to be used by the Resource Mobilization team in convincing and encouraging donors to rapidly fund the overall health sector response.
12. Collaborate with all relevant actors, including the health cluster, regional and field offices, other WHO departments, UN agencies, and other partners to identify and create communication opportunities and prepare communication campaigns on specific topics.

Communication: expresses oneself clearly in conversation and interaction with others; actively listens. Produces effective written communications. Ensures that information is shared. • Teamwork: develops and promotes effective relationships with colleagues and team members. Deals constructively with conflicts. • Moving forward in a changing environment: is open to, and proposes, new approaches and ideas. Adapts and responds positively to change. • Promoting innovation and organizational learning: invigorates the Organization by building a culture which encourages learning and development. Sponsors innovative approaches and solutions. • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: demonstrates ability to work constructively with people with different backgrounds and orientations. Respects differences and ensures that all can contribute.

a major national or international organization as a journalist and/or communications expert.

Experience in writing feature stories, video scripts and other written communication products as exhibited in the CV.

Desirable • Excellent knowledge of photography • Excellent knowledge of script/video editing tools • Demonstrated experience in graphic design and video editing. • Studies or experience-based knowledge of information management, information systems, communications techniques and media relation

Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province in South Africa. It is one of the country’s two capital cities serving as the executive (administrative) and de facto national capital. It offers excellent living conditions with various types of world-class available facilities. Housing is readily available, and rents can be negotiated. Infrastructure, internet connectivity, roads, utilities, telecommunications are of a high standard. Airbnb and Uber are in common use. The other city is Cape Town, the legislative capital. Pretoria is classified as an A duty station, and South Africa is in security phase 1. Like in other big cities with significant crime rates, caution must be exercised always. Although initially situated in Pretoria, the assignment could be relocated to Cape Town at a later stage. South Africa is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.